Is Dying Light 2 Appropriate for a 13 Year Old?
As an avid gamer and content creator focused on mature game reviews, I do not recommend Dying Light 2 for those under 15 given its graphic violence, gore, language and horror elements. However, parents should take into account their child‘s individual maturity when deciding if they can responsibly handle this very intense content.
My Stance
Given its PEGI 18 and ESRB Mature 17+ ratings, along with the sheer intensity of violence and horror, I believe Dying Light 2 crosses the line for appropriateness below age 15. Most 13-year-olds lack the emotional maturity to properly process exposure to such themes, even in a fictional setting, without risk of desensitization or trauma.
Of course, some exceptional children can exercise greater discretion. Ultimately it remains the parent‘s discretion based on their child‘s demonstrated level of discernment. With the proper guidance and boundaries, certain mature 13-year-olds may have the aptitude to play responsibly.
Key Areas of Concern
Below I dive deeper into key categories like violence and language that contribute to the game‘s unsuitability for young teens.
Extremely Graphic Violence
Dying Light 2 depicts brutal dismemberment of zombie and human foes using makeshift melee weapons like knives, spikes and hammers. Frequent blood spurts and splatters stain the environment. Special zombie enemies even puke toxic bile at the player.
By comparison, most MA-rated games have stylized or unrealistic violence. Dying Light 2‘s gore approaches torture porn levels of disturbing realism.
This vivid exposure goes beyond what a 13-year-old can healthfully process. The risk is real of becoming emotionally disturbed or desensitized.
Strong Sexual Themes
While not a primary focus, Dying Light 2 contains scenes and dialogue related to sexuality beyond appropriateness for young teens:
- An optional mission has the player search inside a demonically decorated sex dungeon
- Some female zombie enemies wear sexually suggestive leather outfits
- Occasional sexual references and innuendos in character dialogue
Parents would likely find exposure to BDSM culture and non-consensual sexual violence unacceptable for their 13-year-old.
Excessive Profanity
The game’s dialogue features constant moderate to strong profanity. F appears frequently along with s, a, b** and variants.
By my own estimate, it averages over 50 swear words per hour which greatly exceeds entertainment content suitable for those under 15.
Horror, Nightmares and Phobias
As a zombie apocalypse action horror game, Dying Light 2 uses atmospheric settings, surpise attacks and frightening undead enemies to terrify the player. Consider your child‘s sensitivity – will such tense and scary content give them nightmares or trigger phobias?
Age Ratings Comparison
To understand whether a game‘s age rating appropriately matches its content, let‘s compare Dying Light 2 against others in the horror survival genre:
| Game | Rating |
|---|---|
| Dying Light | MA |
| Days Gone | MA |
| Dead Island | MA |
| Dying Light 2 | MA |
| Resident Evil | MA |
| Last of Us | MA |
As this table shows, Dying Light 2 matches its peers in receiving a restrictive MA rating. Generally, only those 17+ should play these games.
Guidance for Parents
While individual children‘s ability to responsibly handle mature content varies, the extremely graphic nature of Dying Light 2 makes it generally unsuitable for 13-year-olds.
However, with an honest discussion of the game‘s themes and proper ongoing guidance, certain mature teens may play appropriately based on a parent‘s watchful discretion.
I hope this detailed analysis brings adequate awareness so you can decide what‘s best for your family! Let me know if you have any other questions.
